DC increasing number of ambulances deployed during times of peak demand

WASHINGTON — District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser is increasing the number of ambulances on city streets during times of peak demand to deal with ever-increasing 911 call volumes.

Bowser administration officials announced Tuesday that they will now be deploying 49 ambulances between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. The city typically has 39 ambulances deployed at a given time. Increasing the deployment will mean that nearly every available ambulance in the fleet is being used.

The District has frequently struggled to get ambulances to the scene of emergencies in a timely fashion. This month, a toddler died after the closest ambulance wasn't sent to a choking incident. City officials blamed that in part on new tablets and new software that were installed in ambulances and fire engines late last year.